MFWA condemns selective application of ‘false news’ laws under Mahama

The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) has criticised what it describes as the discriminatory and excessive use of Ghana’s “false news” laws under the administration of President John Dramani Mahama.

According to the media rights organisation, the application of Section 76 of the Electronic Communications Act, 2008 (Act 775) and Sections 207 and 208 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29) has led to a sharp rise in arrests linked to speech-related offences since the National Democratic Congress (NDC) returned to power in January 2025.

In a press statement issued on Thursday, May 21, the MFWA said at least 14 arrests connected to the use of the laws have been recorded within 16 months under the current administration, compared to eight arrests during the entire eight-year tenure of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

“Within 16 months of the current National Democratic Congress (NDC) government, under President John Dramani Mahama, more people have been arrested using these laws than happened under the entire eight years of the previous NPP administration led by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo,” portions of the statement read.

The statement recalled that while in opposition in 2022, President Mahama criticised the Akufo-Addo administration over what he described as the criminalisation of journalism and free speech.

The MFWA noted that the NDC, in its 2024 manifesto, pledged to repeal laws considered hostile to press freedom and committed itself to promoting freedom of expression after assuming office.

However, the organisation said developments over the past 16 months appear to contradict those promises.

Among the cases cited by the MFWA were the arrests of Bono Regional NPP Chairman Kwame Baffoe, TikTok creators Prince Ofori and Yayra Abiwu, blogger Samuel Amadotor, Pastor William Gyimah, and several other social media users and political activists over comments deemed false, offensive or threatening.

The organisation argued that the wording of the laws is broad and vague, creating room for abuse and politically motivated enforcement against critics, journalists and ordinary citizens.

“While the MFWA recognises the legitimate need for laws that help prevent incitement to violence, harmful disinformation, and threats to public safety, we are deeply concerned about the discriminatory, disproportionate and abuse of these provisions in ways that have a chilling effect on freedom of expression,” the statement noted.

The MFWA also expressed concern over the increasing use of inflammatory political rhetoric and cautioned media houses against providing platforms for comments that could undermine social cohesion.

It further urged political parties to publicly condemn abusive and provocative statements made by their supporters, warning that failure to do so could threaten Ghana’s democratic stability and peace.

The organisation reiterated its long-standing call for the repeal of Section 76 of the Electronic Communications Act and Section 208 of the Criminal Offences Act.